CHILDHOOD DIARRHOEA MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MOTHERS IN EZEAGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper was directed at finding out the management practices of childhood diarrhoea by mothers in Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. Survey Research design was employed. The sample for the study consisted of 300 women, selected through multistage sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was the researcher designed questionnaire. Direct approach was used to administer the questionnaire by the help of the research assistants. Percentages and chi-square statistic were used for answering the research questions and testing the null hypothesis respectively.The finding showed that majority of the mothers adopted most of the management practices of childhood diarrhoea. Level of education was not a significant factor in the management of diarrhea by mothers. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, among which include; The complications of diarrhoea particularly dehydration and malnutrition should be explained to the mothers so that they understand and take standard home management practices of diarrheoa, that is use of ORS, and also continuation of normal feeding more serious and the mass media should fashion out jingles to enlighten the public on the causes and prevention of diarrhoea.